At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen, creating seasonal menus and ensuring top-notch food quality.
- Company: Join Thomas Franks, a unique catering business focused on fresh food and exceptional service.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, discounts, gym access, and a supportive work environment with career growth.
- Why this job: Showcase your culinary creativity in a vibrant school setting while making a positive impact on students.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef, with a food hygiene qualification and a passion for fresh ingredients.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful 150-acre campus near Dover, with flexible hours and a strong team culture.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 64000 £ per year.
Job Description
Executive Chef Manager – 52 week contract – 5 over 7 Dover Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: 54,000
Hours: 40 per week
A fabulous co-educational independent boarding school for children with military traditions. Set in 150 acres of Kent countryside near Dover. Catering for about 570 students and teachers. We offer a core feeding of AM snack, Lunch, PM snack, Supper and a 6th form cafe. There will be a good amount of hospitality offering at this location. Staff contracts vary from 52 weeks to 44 weeks per year. This school operates 7 days a week so working patterns are 5 out of 7 days and has additional benefits of free parking and use of on site gym.
We are looking for a talented Executive Chef Manager to join our team at one of our prestigious locations in Dover.
You will have previous experience of working within a fast-paced kitchen at Head Chef level (ideally within either contract catering – B&I or Independent Education).
You will be excited to work with fresh seasonal ingredients & regularly changing bespoke menus which YOU create! You will be creative and have the opportunity to showcase your skillset every day.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS (TASKS & RESPONSIBILTIES):
- To operate, monitor and control the Food Production and Service Production to ensure that the food is produced and presented to the highest possible standards, according to the stated Thomas Franks standards and all specified client requirements.
- Responsible for ensuring that the Thomas Franks Fresh Food standards are adhered to by all members of staff, making the best use of local, sustainably sourced and in-season produce at all times using the Company approved suppliers.
- Ensure that the menus are planned are devised for their nutritional value, making the best use of current food styles and customer expectations for daily service and any functions, hospitality or special events.
- Ensure the prompt service of all meals and service at all times to the company / clients standards. Restock and replenish stocks and consumables as required during service periods, pre-empt customer needs and achieve optimum customer service delivery.
- The Executive Head Chef must ensure that all production, storage and service areas and equipment are maintained in a hygienic and clean condition, demonstrating a thorough understanding of food safety and health and safety legislation on a daily basis. Practices are to be monitored and reviewed frequently to ensure standards are set and maintained effectively.
- Ensure that the preparation of all food for sale/service is to prepared within exemplary standards of hygiene and food safety, ensuring that all members of subordinate members of staff adhere to these procedures on health, safety and hygiene to at all times.
- Keep the Front of house informed of any food running out and pre-empt any delays in customer waiting.
- To assist in the preparation of planning menus, rotas, placing of orders.
- Ensure that the kitchen operates in line with current health & safety regulations.
- To attend meetings and training courses as required.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure attendance to all staff meetings as required.
- Ensure that all policies and procedural requirements of both legislation and company are adhered to in order to promote a professional and flexible approach at all times.
- To ensure personal presentation is of the highest standard at all times.
- Ensure all necessary checks are carried out in the service and associated areas for food temperatures.
- Carry out all reasonable request of the management.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
- Team working abilities, Listening skills, the ability to work on own initiative, impeccable personal presentation, hygiene and behaviour to others, Food hygiene certificate preferred.
- The ability to be adaptable and be flexible as necessary. Reliable, Honest and able to demonstrate an open attentive approach to customer service.
- Willingness to learn new skills and take some responsibility.
Knowledge / competencies:
- Ability to demonstrate a good understanding and use of verbal English.
- Ability to demonstrate a good standard of written English and reading skills.
- Similar experience of customer and / or food preparation environment is essential.
- Hold a recognised cooking qualification such as City & Guild 706/1 & 2 or equivalent.
- Hold a level 3 food Hygiene qualification.
Benefits
- Wider wallet scheme (discounts at major retailers, restaurants, gyms etc).
- Free meals on duty
- Volunteers leave – up to one day per year.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Recommend a friend bonus.
- Unrivalled individual training and development.
- Well established apprenticeship programme.
- Team & company social events.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Workplace pension.
- Excellent career progression within a leading independent contract caterer.
About us
Thomas Franks is a founder led, fresh food catering business with a focus on excellence and service delivered with individuality, passion and style. We are unique in every approach and our clients, and our people are paramount to our daily success.
Disclaimer
All applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the Right to Work in the UK to be considered for this role.
An enhanced DBS, Identity & reference checks (covering the last five years) will form part of the selection process. As an organisation using the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure service to assess applicants' suitability for positions of trust, Thomas Franks Ltd complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and undertake not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure based on conviction or other information revealed. However, for any post in a school please be aware that any application is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such any criminal conviction, caution or bind-over must be declared.
Diversity and Inclusion at Thomas Franks
We actively encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and continue to develop a culture of growth and inclusion and would like to invite applications from groups who are currently under-represented, because we believe greater diversity leads to exceptional results and provides a better working life.
Executive Chef Manager - 52 week contract - 5 over 7 employer: Thomas Franks Ltd. Careers
Contact Detail:
Thomas Franks Ltd. Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef Manager - 52 week contract - 5 over 7
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role, especially the emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and bespoke menu creation. This will help you demonstrate your passion for culinary creativity during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education catering sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may have insights or even referrals for the Executive Chef Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience at Head Chef level, particularly in fast-paced environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've maintained high standards in food safety and hygiene, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your adaptability and willingness to learn new skills. The job requires flexibility, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully adapted to changing circumstances in past roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef Manager - 52 week contract - 5 over 7
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in fast-paced kitchen environments and any previous roles as a Head Chef. Emphasise your ability to work with fresh seasonal ingredients and your creativity in menu planning.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cooking and your understanding of the role. Mention specific experiences that align with the job description, such as managing food production standards and ensuring hygiene compliance.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your cooking qualifications, such as City & Guilds or equivalent, and your level 3 food hygiene certification. This will demonstrate your professional background and commitment to food safety.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully led a team in a kitchen setting. Discuss your ability to train staff, manage service delivery, and maintain high standards, which are crucial for the Executive Chef Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Franks Ltd. Careers
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
As an Executive Chef Manager, you'll be expected to create bespoke menus. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences with menu planning and how you incorporate seasonal ingredients. Bring examples of your work or ideas for potential menus that align with the school's ethos.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong team management abilities. Highlight your experience in leading a kitchen team, ensuring food safety standards, and maintaining high hygiene practices. Share specific examples of how you've motivated your team and handled challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Familiarise yourself with the unique requirements of catering in an educational setting. Discuss how you would adapt your cooking style to meet the nutritional needs of students while also considering their preferences. Showing that you understand the importance of customer service will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to manage food shortages or unexpected dietary requests. Think about how you would ensure smooth service during peak times and maintain quality standards.